Former Tour of Britain winner becomes first Team Sky rider to be charged with
doping, though 'vehemently denies charges'

Jonathan Tiernan-Locke has become the first Team Sky rider to be charged with a doping offence after the International Cycling Union (UCI) found discrepancies in his biological passport demonstrated he had taken drugs.

Almost three months after it was leaked that the 28-year-old was under investigation, the UCI confirmed it had commenced disciplinary proceedings against him, seemingly rejecting his explanation that the readings were down to an illness he had suffered.

Tuesday’s announcement was the biggest blow yet to Team Sky in its bid to maintain a zero-tolerance policy to doping, having signed 2012 Tour of Britain winner Tiernan-Locke after the alleged offence took place.

The UCI, which employed a panel of experts to examine the rider’s readings, said in a statement: “The analysis of the biological passport of Mr Jonathan Tiernan-Locke by the experts panel has demonstrated an anti-doping rule violation (use of prohibited substances and/or methods).

“Consequently, and in compliance with the UCI Anti-Doping Rules, the UCI has requested his national federation to initiate disciplinary proceedings.

“UKAD and Wada have been informed of the matter pursuant to the UCI Anti-Doping Rules and the Wada code.”

Tiernan-Locke’s representatives immediately issued a statement protesting his innocence and confirming he would fight the charges.

It read: “Jonathan Tiernan-Locke was notified that the UCI wish to instruct British Cycling to instigate proceedings against him regarding an abnormality in his biological passport.

“Mr Tiernan-Locke vehemently denies the charges brought against him and has informed the UCI that he fully intends to contest them. Mr Tiernan-Locke will not ride for Team Sky, attend training camps or undertake any team duties until a decision is made in these proceedings.

“Mr Tiernan-Locke is looking forward to a speedy and just resolution of these unfortunate charges.

“Until a decision has been reached, Mr Tiernan-Locke will make no further comment on the matter.”

A British Cycling spokesman said: “Following today’s announcement by the UCI, British Cycling can confirm that it has been asked by the UCI to begin proceedings against Jonathan Tiernan-Locke based on an analysis of his biological passport.

“As with any other doping violation charge, those proceedings will be managed independently of British Cycling by UK Anti-Doping.

“It would be inappropriate to comment further until the process has been completed.”

Tiernan-Locke was still contracted to Endura Racing when the alleged violation is claimed to have taken place.

Endura director Jim McFarlane, who insisted when news of the investigation broke that Tiernan-Locke had all but left the team’s care at that juncture, said: “It’s obviously disappointing news that it’s deemed there is a case to answer.”